The World's Biggest Skid Steers
Used in many facets of construction, landscaping, and agriculture, skid steer loaders are a versatile type of heavy equipment. Compact in their size, these machines aren't going to be as grand as the largest excavators, wheel loaders, or dozers.
However, some models are extremely powerful and effective when working alongside these larger machines on heavy-duty projects. Below are the 10 biggest skid steers in the world, ranked in order of their rated operating capacity (ROC). The ROC is the amount they can safely lift without tipping.
Ranking The Largest Skid Steers Loaders on the Market
As the market for compact equipment is very competitive, many skid steer brands manufacture large models including Manitou, Bobcat, Caterpillar, John Deere, and more.
The Industry Leader Manitou 4200V
Manitou designed the 4200V skid steer loader for heavy-duty applications. Its ROC of 4,200 lbs is a key specification, determining the maximum load it can handle with ease. With a high-horsepower engine, lift capacity, and great vertical lift, the Manitou 4200V can load trucks and grade with more power.
Focusing on efficiency, the Manitou 4200V incorporates advanced hydraulic systems for smooth and precise operations. With adjustable armrests and an LCD display, operators have great visibility from within the cab. Overall, the size, power, and features of the Manitou 4200V make them a reliable choice for tackling challenging tasks.
The Close Contenders
While the Manitou 4200V is currently the largest skid steer model, more skid steer brands are expanding their product lines to include bigger models.
GEHL V420
A brand underneath Manitou, the GEHL V420 skid steer, has similar specs to the 4200V. GEHL recently discontinued this model. However, it is still a well-regarded machine in rental and used markets. Equipped with a powerful engine delivering 110 HP, the GEHL V420 has great power, making it well-suited for demanding tasks in construction and agriculture.
The GEHL V420 has an ROC of 4,200 lbs, which is currently the maximum in the industry, indicating its ability to handle substantial loads. The design of the machine incorporates advanced features for operator comfort and control, enhancing overall efficiency on the work site.
The GEHL V420's size strikes a balance between maneuverability and stability, making it adaptable to various applications. Whether it's lifting heavy materials in construction or demolition, or handling agricultural chores, the V420 is designed to deliver reliable performance across diverse settings.
Bobcat S850
The Bobcat S850, which was recently discontinued by Bobcat, is a very popular skid steer loader, recognized for its power and versatility. With an operating weight of 10,000 lbs and an ROC of 3,950 lbs, this machine can be beneficial to any construction project.
Equipped with advanced hydraulic systems and controls, the Bobcat S850 excels in precision tasks and maneuverability. The size and design make it well-suited for construction projects, where it can navigate tight spaces while delivering power. The Bobcat S850 can also be customized with enhanced high-flow hydraulics to increase its versatility.
The Bobcat S850's features extend to operator comfort and safety. With an enclosed cab, operating lights, and air conditioning, the operator can focus on the job at hand. Whether it's earthmoving, material handling, or other construction applications, the Bobcat S850 is engineered to meet the challenges of diverse job sites.
CAT 272D3 XE
Caterpillar has two large models: the CAT 272D3 base model and the CAT 272D3 XE model. Both skid steer loaders are designed for various applications with the XE model being slightly more powerful than the regular 272D3.
For reference, the XE model has 110 horsepower and an ROC of 3,700 lbs, while the base model has 98 HP and an ROC of 3,450. This makes the XE a slightly better choice for heavy-duty tasks. There are not many other differences, although the XE does have a higher maximum hydraulic flow at 40 gal/min, rather than the base model's 32 gal/min. This gives the XE a slight advantage when it comes to the range of attachments it can use. It also moves faster than the standard 272D3.
Caterpillar designed the CAT 272D3 and CAT 272D3 XE with operator comfort in mind, featuring an ergonomic cabin that's 15% bigger than previous models. It also has intuitive joystick controls for enhanced productivity. Their size and stability contribute to their suitability for applications such as excavation and material handling in construction and landscaping projects.
John Deere 332G
With a powerful engine and advanced hydraulic systems, the John Deere 332G delivers substantial power for lifting and digging tasks. This model has an ROC of 3,600 lbs, making it the fifth-strongest in the industry, and highlighting its capability to handle heavy loads with ease.
The John Deere 332G is designed for versatility, excelling in applications ranging from construction to agriculture. The model's compact size ensures maneuverability in tight spaces, making it a go-to choice for various job sites.
Enhanced operator features, including comfortable cabins, high-flow hydraulics, and ISO controls, contribute to a positive working experience, making the John Deere 332G a valuable machine in demanding work environments.
ASV VS-75
Powered by a high-performance engine with 74.2 horsepower, the ASV VS-75 has a substantial ROC with 3,500 lbs. This makes it suitable for tasks that require lifting and carrying heavy materials, especially as a vertical lift model.
The ASV VS-75's compact size and maneuverability make it great for navigating challenging terrains. Capable of moving at 11 mph, it is a fast and valuable asset in landscaping and forestry applications. Performance-wise, the VS-75 can be configured with high-flow hydraulics to create more diversity in the attachments it can use.
Its features extend to operator comfort, ensuring efficiency and ease of use in prolonged work sessions with its ergonomic design and HVAC system.
New Holland L334
The New Holland L334 skid steer model features a powerful 90-HP engine and advanced hydraulic systems, helping deliver impressive performance in lifting and loading tasks. With an ROC of 3,4000 lbs, the vertical-lift L334 can handle substantial material volumes with ease. The L334 has a few interesting features including a creep mode that gives the operator more speed control, which is especially useful during trenching.
The skid steer's design emphasizes operator comfort, with more headroom and shoulder room than other models. It also has great visibility with a glass area on the cab roof to see the bucket at full height and unobstructed views behind the machine.
Whether in construction, agriculture, or landscaping, the New Holland L334's size and features make it adaptable to a range of applications, offering a reliable solution for diverse job site requirements.
CASE SV340B
The CASE SV340B skid steer loader is engineered for power and efficiency. As the largest loader in CASE's portfolio, it is equipped with a 90-horsepower engine and an advanced auxiliary hydraulic system. Its substantial 3,400 lb ROC proves its ability to handle heavy loads in various applications. It also has great high-flow hydraulics with 38.7 gal/minute, making it one of the best options on the market for hydraulics.
The skid steer's design prioritizes operator comfort and control, with features such as a spacious cabin and the ability to switch between ISO and H-pattern controls. The CASE SV340B can also save operator profiles, making it easy to switch between operator preferences. With a focus on durability and performance, this model is poised to tackle challenging work environments, providing a reliable solution for those seeking a powerful and versatile skid steer loader.
Bobcat S86
Since the Bobcat S850 has been discontinued, the Bobcat S86 is the new king of skid steers at Bobcat. The S86 features an ROC of 3,400 lbs and an operating weight of 9,728 lbs, meaning the skid steer's capacity can handle heavy-duty tasks.
A unique feature of the S86 is that it features all three hydraulic flow options in one machine: standard, high, and super flow. This gives the machine a hydraulic flow range of 23.6 gal/min up to 42 gal/min, making it more efficient than even the CAT 272D3 XE.
With Bobcat's Premium Power Performance feature, it is very efficient at power management. This technology allows the S86 to distribute power where it needs it at the right time, making it smoother and faster to control. Operator comfort and safety are also key considerations, with features such as a comfortable cabin, rear cameras, lights, and intuitive controls.
The Power Behind the Size: Engine and Performance
Wheeled skid steers are workhorses on any construction site. While they are not the largest machines, they are incredibly scrappy and able to contribute in almost every way. Regardless of the specific model, all the skid steer loaders above have powerful engines, ensuring optimal functionality and enabling them to effortlessly tackle heavy-duty tasks.
Horsepower ratings provide the power for these machines, contributing significantly to their lifting and digging capabilities. This power enhances the overall performance of the machines and also their maneuverability, ensuring they are up to the challenge, no matter the complexity of the job site.
Most skid steers also come equipped with advanced hydraulic systems that elevate their functionality. The hydraulic output of these machines plays a huge role in lifting heavy loads, operating various attachments, and executing smooth movements.
Applications: Where Size Meets Function
Heavy-duty skid steer loaders carve a niche for themselves, excelling in a spectrum of applications. From major construction projects to the rigorous demands of mining and quarry operations, these formidable machines embody a perfect convergence of size and function. Their versatility and raw power make them indispensable assets across diverse industries, where their robust capabilities are harnessed to handle substantial material volumes and navigate complex work environments.
Construction and Demolition
Large skid steer loaders are incredibly helpful on construction and demolition projects, especially indoor demolition. With their smaller but robust frames, they can go where excavators and dozers cannot.
Also, the versatility of attachments allows them to seamlessly switch between tasks, from lifting heavy materials to precision grading. Whether it's helping construct new buildings or demolishing old ones, large-frame skid steer loaders can help job sites become more productive and efficient.
Agriculture and Forestry
Large skid steers also play a big role in the agricultural and forestry industries, especially when paired with the right attachment. In agriculture, they prove invaluable for lifting and transporting heavy bales, tilling soil, and carrying out various tasks. They can even be more efficient and useful than tractors at these tasks.
When it comes to forestry, skid steer loaders excel in land-clearing operations, efficiently preparing the terrain for cultivation or other uses. Their presence in these sectors highlights their adaptability, addressing the diverse needs of agriculture and forestry professionals in a more compact size.
The Benefits of Going Big: Advantages of Large Skid Steers
One of the benefits of using large-frame skid loaders is the substantial increase in productivity. The size and power of the bigger models enable them to tackle more significant loads and execute tasks with efficiency. Their ability to handle heavier workloads translates directly into time and resource savings, making them indispensable for projects with demanding requirements.
Another notable advantage of opting for the largest skid steers is their enhanced capacity to handle larger attachments. Larger models often have more hydraulic power, allowing them to use high-flow attachments that can handle heavy-duty tasks.
Lastly, large skid steer models can be used in situations where dozers, wheel loaders, and telehandlers cannot. Because they are more compact in design, they can be used for job sites with less space to move around, without sacrificing an insane amount of power.
Considerations Before Upsizing Your Skid Steer
Before committing to a larger skid steer it's important to carefully consider several key factors. One critical consideration revolves around job site requirements. This includes looking at what equipment will be on-site, the materials you're using, how much lift is needed, how much space you have to move, what attachments are needed, and more. Answering these questions will help determine if you need an increased size.
Transport logistics represent another crucial aspect when contemplating upsizing your skid steer. The larger dimensions and weight of these machines may necessitate specialized transport arrangements. Understanding the logistics involved in moving bigger skid steers ensures that they can be deployed where needed without complications.
Cost-effectiveness is another factor in the decision-making process. While the advantages of larger skid steers are evident, think about the upfront investment against the long-term benefits they offer. Considering factors such as increased productivity, versatility, and reduced need for multiple machines may tip the scale in favor of these larger models. Conducting a thorough cost-benefit analysis helps in making informed decisions that align with both your immediate budgetary constraints and the long-term efficiency goals of your operations.
By carefully examining job site requirements, transport logistics, and cost-effectiveness, you can navigate the decision-making process and determine whether upsizing your skid steer is the right strategic move for your business.
The Future of Skid Steer Loaders: Bigger and Better?
While technological advancements are likely to impact skid steer design and manufacturing, making bigger skid steers is not in high demand. This is because skid steers are great complementary equipment. They are primary machines on residential projects but are typically secondary machines on large-scale commercial and heavy-duty projects. This means that while they still need to have some power and lift capacity, those jobs will have dozers, motor graders, wheel loaders, and excavators doing the heavy lifting.
However, the future of skid steer loaders is still bright. Many technological advancements are coming, especially with electric models in development that will create a wider range of options. Manufacturers will also continue to explore ways to optimize power consumption, reduce fuel emissions, and enhance overall energy efficiency. The goal is to strike a balance between increased machine size and improved efficiency.
Conclusion
Our exploration of the largest skid steers reveals just how powerful these small but mighty machines can be. From the commanding Manitou 4200V to the feature-packed GEHL V420, Bobcat S850, CAT 272D3 XE, John Deere 332G, ASV VS-75, New Holland L334, CASE SV340B, and Bobcat S86, each model demonstrates a commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance in construction, agriculture, and forestry.
The benefits of opting for larger skid steers are evident in their increased productivity, enhanced attachment capabilities, and adaptability to confined spaces. Yet, the decision to upscale requires a thoughtful examination of job site requirements, transport logistics, and cost-effectiveness. By navigating these considerations, businesses can make strategic choices that align with both immediate needs and long-term operational goals.
Looking ahead, the future of skid steer loaders promises continued advancements, with a focus on electric models and a quest for optimal energy efficiency. While the demand for larger sizes may not be paramount, manufacturers are poised to redefine industry standards, ensuring that skid steers remain indispensable contributors to the ever-evolving landscape of heavy machinery.
Are you looking for a skid steer rental for your next project? Whether it's for the construction site, the farm, or the forestry operation, DOZR has you covered. Find a skid steer rental near you or call our sales team today to find the right equipment for the job.
